Margate Elementary School Resource Officer Honored for 35 Years of Service

by David Volz July 10, 2025

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Officer Antonio Careccia was honored for 35 years of service to the Margate Police Department {David Volz}

Officer Antonio “Tony” Careccia was honored for serving as a Margate police officer for 35 years during the July 9 meeting.

Chief Michael Palma presented him with a plaque and praised his efforts and commitment to the residents of Margate. Commissioner Tommy Ruzzano said he loved the work he has done for the city.

Careccia is now a school resource officer at Margate Elementary School, where he teaches the D.A.R.E. program. “I show the students why they should avoid drugs, alcohol, and gangs, but I know the challenges kids face today,” said Careccia.

When Careccia began his career in Margate, the department was different. “It was a lot smaller, and we were a family. I could retire now, but I love being a police officer,” said.

Careccia has enjoyed serving the community. One of his first projects was to begin Neighborhood Watch groups. Then he began the Night Out event. “I remember we started with two packages of hot dogs, and last year we gave away 3,500 hot dogs. We have a big Night Out,” he said.

As he approached the podium, community leaders stood up and shared brief memories of Careccia when he was their school resource officer. Sergeant Mary Crabtree, his supervisor, described him as a great police officer. His son, Gregory Careccia, is now a Boca Raton police officer and participated in the ceremony.

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Author Profile

David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.